Quick Answers
Fast, clear explanations of the industry terms every actor and model runs into.
What Is a Casting Call?
A casting call is a notice announcing that a project needs actors, models, or performers for specific roles. Learning to read and answer them is one of the first skills you need.
What Is a Cattle Call in Acting?
A cattle call is a large open audition where huge numbers of performers show up for the same project. Long lines, quick looks, fast decisions, and still sometimes worth your time.
What Does a Talent Agent Do?
A talent agent finds work opportunities, submits you for roles, negotiates contracts, and takes a commission from what you earn. Agents only get paid when you get paid.
What Is Typecasting?
Typecasting is when an actor is repeatedly cast in the same kind of role because of their look, voice, or past work. Early in a career, it works more like a doorway than a trap.
What Is a Callback?
A callback is a second audition, usually in front of more decision makers. It means you cleared the first filter and are now competing on a much shorter list.
What Is a Cold Read in Acting?
A cold read is an audition where you perform material you have never seen before. It strips away preparation, which is exactly why casting teams use it.
What Are Sides in Acting?
Sides are the specific script pages you are given to perform for an audition, usually one to five pages chosen to show the essential qualities of the role.
What Is a Slate in an Audition?
A slate is the short on-camera introduction at the start of an audition, usually your name and a few basics. It lasts seconds, and casting forms an impression before the scene even starts.
What Is Scale Pay in Acting?
Scale pay is the minimum a union performer can legally be paid under their union's contract. When a role pays scale, the production is paying exactly that minimum.
What Is a Go-See in Modeling?
A go-see is a modeling audition: an in-person appointment where a client sees a model face to face before booking. The name is literal. You go, they see.
What Is a Test Shoot in Modeling?
A test shoot is a photo shoot done to build experience and portfolio images rather than for a paying client. It is the standard way new models build a book.
What Is an Open Call?
An open call is an audition or meeting anyone can attend without an appointment, an agent, or an invitation. You show up during posted hours, sign in, and get seen.
What Is a Booking in Acting and Modeling?
A booking is a confirmed job. The client or production has officially chosen you, agreed on dates and pay, and committed to hiring you. It is the goal every submission points toward.
What Is a Buyout in Acting and Modeling?
A buyout is a single flat payment covering the right to use your work for a defined scope, instead of ongoing residuals. Whether it is a good deal depends entirely on what it covers.
What Is a Comp Card?
A comp card is a model's business card: a headshot on the front, several photos on the back, plus your name, measurements, and contact info. Clients use it to remember and compare models.
What Is a Monologue in Acting?
A monologue is a solo speech used in auditions to show an actor's range without a scene partner. Here is why they matter and how to choose one.
What Is Blocking in Acting?
Blocking is the planned movement and positioning of actors on stage or set. Learn why hitting your mark matters and how blocking gets set.
What Is a Table Read?
A table read is the first time the full cast reads a script aloud together. Here is what happens, why it matters, and how actors should behave.
What Is a Screen Test?
A screen test is a filmed, production-quality audition held late in casting. If you are asked to screen test, you are one of the finalists.
What Is a Day Player?
A day player is an actor hired by the day for a small speaking role. These roles are how most actors build their first real screen credits.
What Is a Featured Extra?
A featured extra is a background actor who is clearly visible on camera but has no lines. Learn how they are chosen and whether the work is worth it.
What Is a Fitting in Modeling?
A fitting is a pre-shoot appointment where a model tries on wardrobe so the team can check fit and plan looks. If you are at a fitting, you are hired.
What Is a Tearsheet in Modeling?
A tearsheet is a published page featuring a model's work, and it is the strongest proof of professional experience a portfolio can hold.
What Is Editorial Modeling?
Editorial modeling is fashion work for magazine features and artistic spreads. It pays less than commercial work but carries far more prestige.
What Is a Lookbook?
A lookbook is a curated set of photos showing a clothing collection look by look. Lookbook shoots are some of the steadiest work in modeling.
Runway vs Print Modeling: What's the Difference?
Runway is live performance with strict physical standards. Print is photographic and far more inclusive. Here is how to tell which path fits you.
What Is a Casting Session?
A casting session is the scheduled block where talent actually auditions, usually in short recorded slots. Here is how sessions run and who is in the room.
